Quoin Rock 3-Bottle Tasting Set Top Red

Three Reds from the Simonsberg

Quoin Rock is named after Quoin Point, the second southernmost tip of Africa. The winery itself, however, is located in the Knorhoek Valley on the slopes of the Simonsberg in Stellenbosch. The Gaiduk family took it over in 2012 and later merged it with the neighboring Knorhoek estate. The north-facing slopes with granite over shale, the cool Atlantic breeze in summer, and a modern cellar under winemaker Schalk Opperman form the basis for powerful, age-worthy red wines. This tasting set showcases three top-tier red wines: a spicy Shiraz, the flagship Red Blend, and the Knorhoek Cabernet. Ideal for getting to know a winery in three facets, or as a gift for red wine lovers.

The three bottles in the set

• Quoin Rock Shiraz 2018 From the limited Black Series, grown on the exposed north slopes of the Simonsberg. Blackberry, roasted meat, and black pepper; full-bodied with plush tannins. At its core, dark berries brightened by pepper and dried leaves, lively and long. Already beautifully matured.
• Quoin Rock Red Blend 2016 The estate’s flagship, already beautifully matured. Cabernet Sauvignon-dominated with Cabernet Franc and Merlot. Dark fruit, vanilla, cocoa, and pencil shavings; big and structured, yet velvety and elegant.
• Knorhoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2020 From the neighboring Knorhoek estate, which now belongs to Quoin Rock. Red berries, sour cherry, flint, and leather, plus cranberry and cassis. Juicy and textured, with plummy richness, chalky tannins, and well-integrated wood. IWSC Silver.

At a glance: 3 bottles of 0.75 l each, red wine, South Africa (Simonsberg-Stellenbosch), dry. Best served at 16 to 18 degrees Celsius, ideally decanted.

Vinification

• Quoin Rock Shiraz 2018: 100% Shiraz from the slopes of the Simonsberg. Aged in barriques. Simonsberg-Stellenbosch.
• Quoin Rock Red Blend 2016: 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Cabernet Franc, 5% Merlot, yield 6.5 to 7 t/ha. Individual parcels fermented in open stainless steel tanks with four to five pigeages per day, followed by extended maceration. Parcels aged separately, 20 months in French barriques (55% new). Simonsberg-Stellenbosch.
• Knorhoek Cabernet Sauvignon 2020: 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. Individual parcels crushed and fermented in open stainless steel tanks with four to five pigeages per day, followed by extended maceration. 20 months in French oak barrels (30% new, 70% second and third fill). Stellenbosch.

Pairs with: Rack of lamb, beef fillet, grilled entrecôte, game dishes, braised lamb shoulder, pepper steak, mushroom dishes, charcuterie, and aged hard cheese.